Secobarbital and Cinchocaine
Secobarbital / Cinchocaine
Also known as: Somulose · Quinalbarbitone/Cinchocaine · Secobarbital sodium/Cinchocaine hydrochloride
Reviewed by the VetSheet Veterinary TeamUpdated Apr 5, 2026Evidence-based veterinary reference
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Dosing by species
🌎 NA — North America🌍 EU — Europe
Dogs
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Euthanasia | 0.25 ml/kg | IV | once | over 10-15 seconds | 🌍 EU |
- Euthanasia: Administer over 10-15 seconds to minimize premature cardiac arrest. IV catheter recommended.
Cats
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Euthanasia | 0.25 ml/kg | IV | once | over 10-15 seconds | 🌍 EU |
- Euthanasia: Administer over 10-15 seconds to minimize premature cardiac arrest. IV catheter recommended.
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Overview
A potent combination euthanasia agent containing secobarbital (a barbiturate) and cinchocaine (a local anesthetic with cardiotoxic properties). It is used exclusively for the humane euthanasia of dogs and cats.
Clinical Warning: This is a highly potent drug that is rapidly and highly toxic to humans. Extreme care must be taken to avoid accidental self-administration. It must never be used for general anesthesia as it is non-sterile and deliberately cardiotoxic.
Mechanism of action
The combination works synergistically to ensure rapid and peaceful euthanasia:
- Secobarbital → Rapidly and profoundly depresses the Central Nervous System (CNS), including the respiratory centers, leading to rapid loss of consciousness and cessation of respiration.
- Cinchocaine → Exerts marked cardiotoxic effects at high doses. It depresses cardiac conduction → resulting in early cardiac arrest.
Clinical Pearl: Because cardiac arrest is not dependent on the development of profound hypoxia, euthanasia with this combination is generally not accompanied by the agonal gasping that may occur with other agents.
Safety & warnings
Contraindications
- Must NOT be used for anesthesia (non-sterile and cardiotoxic)
Adverse effects
- Pain on injection (if administered perivascularly)
- Excitement (if administered perivascularly or too slowly)
Precautions
Patient Precautions
- Injection Speed: Speed of injection is critical. An injection rate that is too slow may induce normal collapse but prolong the period until death. Administer over 10-15 seconds to minimize premature cardiac arrest before unconsciousness.
- Route: Strictly intravenous. Perivascular administration may delay the onset of effect, cause pain, and result in excitement. Placement of an IV catheter is strongly recommended.
- Always have an alternative method of euthanasia available.
Human Safety Warnings
EXTREME DANGER TO HUMANS: Rapidly and highly toxic.
- Use an IV catheter instead of a needle whenever possible to prevent accidental needle-stick injuries.
- Only administer in the presence of an assistant.
- Wear suitable protective gloves. Cinchocaine can cause hypersensitivity and severe contact dermatitis following skin contact.
- Wash off splashes from skin and eyes immediately.
- In the event of accidental self-administration: Do not leave the person unattended. Seek URGENT medical assistance, advise medical services of barbiturate and local anesthetic poisoning, and show the label. Maintain airways and provide symptomatic/supportive treatment.
Monitoring
- Confirmation of cardiac arrest (auscultation)
- Confirmation of respiratory arrest
- Absence of corneal reflex
- Loss of pupillary light reflex
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Rapid onset following intravenous administration.
Distribution
Rapidly distributes to the CNS.
Overdose
Not applicable. This medication is intended to induce death.
Available products
Formulations
- Injectable: 400 mg/ml secobarbital with 25 mg/ml cinchocaine solution
Veterinary
- Somulose Injectable Solution (400 mg/ml secobarbital, 25 mg/ml cinchocaine)
Regulatory status
Controlled Drug
POM-V CD SCHEDULE 2
No regulatory data for: 🇺🇸 US · 🇭🇰 HK · 🇹🇼 TW · 🇯🇵 JP · 🇰🇷 KR · 🇦🇺 AU
Storage & stability
Store in a locked receptacle in accordance with Controlled Drug Schedule 2 regulations.
Client information
This medication is used strictly by veterinary professionals for the humane euthanasia of pets. It is a specialized combination of medications designed to ensure a rapid, painless, and peaceful passing without the distress or gasping that can sometimes occur with other methods.
VetSheet drug reference is intended for licensed veterinary professionals as a clinical decision-support aid, not a substitute for professional judgement or the manufacturer’s current label.